Alright, The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cheers. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Landon S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 40, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Owen T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Denver about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Alexander Martin
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Isla Mendoza
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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